Masdevallia pachyura f. leptoura

A distinctive form of Masd. pachyura distinguished by its notably slender tails — in contrast to the thicker tails of the typical species — with fleshy, inward-curving sepals forming a semi-closed, globose flower structure, carried in succession along a pendant raceme that bears multiple blooms simultaneously.

• Light: Grow under 50–70% shade cloth; direct sun causes rapid leaf scorch and must be avoided.
• Temperature: Cool grower. Daytime 57–68°F (14–20°C), nights 45–54°F (7–12°C). A consistent day-night differential is essential for sustained health and flowering.
• Humidity: Requires 75–90% relative humidity; humidity trays or a humidifier with steady air movement keep conditions optimal.
• Watering: Maintain even moisture year-round; mounted plants need more frequent watering than potted ones, with a modest reduction during the coolest months.

Additional Notes

Native to Ecuador at elevations of 2,000–3,000 meters in cool cloud-forest habitats. The epithet pachyura refers to the thick tails of the typical form, while leptoura denotes the slender-tailed variant. Best cultivated mounted on cork bark or tree fern, or in small pots with fine bark or sphagnum moss.